CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University women's basketball team signed its first recruit under newly-appointed Head Coach Amy Eagan as Ridgewood High School's Jena Peterson of Woodhull, Ill., has committed to wear purple and gold next season.

While attending Alwood High School during her first three years of high school, Peterson played on the varsity squad since she was a freshman and was named the team's Defensive MVP for three consecutive seasons for her efforts on the court.

Peterson was also given the Hustle Award by her teammates during her junior campaign.

After a consolidation changed the school's nickname to Ridgewood Spartans, Peterson, coached by Bryan Brooks, captained the women's basketball team to a third place finish in the Illinois Class 1A State Tournament. She was also a Second^-Team All-Lincoln Trail Conference selection and earned a spot on the Second-Team All-Area squad picked by the Rock Island Dispatch-Argus.

Peterson would also repeat as the recipient of the team's Hustle Award and Defensive MVP.

Off the court, Peterson is a standout student, being named to the Honor Roll throughout all four years of her high school career, and was named a Pacesetter by the Rock Island Dispatch-Argus during her senior year.

The daughter of the Rollie and Missy Peterson, Peterson chose Ashford University over conference opponent St. Ambrose University and is a prospective Business Management major when she arrives to campus next fall.